The WhatsApp verified badge, still widely called the green tick, signals your brand is officially verified. It now appears blue after Meta unified its badges, but the meaning is unchanged. Most businesses that ask about it don't actually need it, but for those that qualify, here's exactly how to get it.
When Meta unified verification across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the badge colour changed from green to blue. It is the same badge with the same criteria and benefits; only the colour changed. We use "green tick" throughout because that is the term most people still search for.
| Feature | Grey tick (Verified Business) | Green tick (Official Business) |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it | Any business with WhatsApp API + Meta verification | Notable brands only, not available to all |
| What recipients see | Your business display name (not phone number) | Green checkmark + "Official Business Account" label |
| Trust signal | Moderate, confirms it's a registered business | High, confirms it's an officially recognised brand |
| Application required | No, automatic after Meta business verification | Yes, manual application, approval not guaranteed |
| Approval time | 1–3 days (part of API setup) | 30–60 days, no guarantee of approval |
| Required for WhatsApp API | Yes, all API accounts have this | No, optional badge for notable businesses |
Bottom line: Getting WhatsApp Business API access gives you the grey tick automatically. The green tick is a bonus for major brands, pursuing it is not necessary for most businesses to run effective WhatsApp automation.
Meta reviews green tick applications manually and applies its own criteria for "notability." There is no public checklist, but these are the factors that correlate with approval.
Two ways to qualify. The free route below is based on notability, where Meta judges your brand well-known enough. There is also Meta Verified, a paid monthly subscription that grants the badge with extra protection and support, and is open to a wider range of businesses, including smaller ones, where offered. If you do not meet the notability bar yet, the subscription is the alternative.
Your brand has been covered in reputable publications, news outlets, or industry media. Wikipedia page or Google Knowledge Panel is a strong signal. Press releases on your own website don't count, third-party editorial coverage does.
Significant Facebook Page following, verified Instagram account, or substantial YouTube channel. "Significant" in the Indian context typically means 50,000+ genuine followers.
A brand that most people in your target market would recognise, not just your existing customers. Category leaders, national brands, and well-funded startups with high brand awareness tend to qualify.
SMBs, local businesses, new startups, businesses with limited online presence, businesses in non-notable niches. The grey tick (from API verification) is the practical equivalent for day-to-day WhatsApp business messaging.
You must already have WhatsApp Business API access with Meta business verification complete. The grey tick (verified business) must be active on your account before applying for green tick.
Green tick applications are submitted by your BSP on your behalf, you cannot apply directly. Contact WA.Expert support and request a green tick application. Provide evidence of notability (media links, Wikipedia page, significant social following).
WA.Expert compiles your application with business details and notability evidence and submits to Meta. Meta reviews manually, this cannot be expedited.
Meta reviews in 30–60 days. There is no way to check status during review. If approved, the green tick appears on your WhatsApp display name automatically. If rejected, you can reapply after 30 days with stronger evidence.
No guarantees: Meta does not provide specific feedback on rejected applications, and approval criteria are applied subjectively. Even well-known Indian brands have been rejected. If you don't qualify initially, focus on building media presence and reapplying in 6–12 months.
Get your grey tick (verified business account) in 3–7 days with WA.Expert. The green tick can follow once your brand builds notability.